Rim Rock Riders 4-Hers connect with veterans
Rim Rock Riders 4-H Club President Bree Pringle shakes hands with veteran Larry Gilt during the club’s recent Poppy Fund project on Saturday, May 7.
One of the advantages of participating in Holmes County 4-H is it gets youth out into the community where they can connect with all generations of people. In addition, 4-H always brings with it a certain amount of community service that teaches youth about the importance of participating in community and serving others.
Recently, one county club created an opportunity that clicked on all the right buttons.
The Rim Rock Riders 4-H Club participated in a community-service project on Saturday, May 7. The 4-H members set up shop at both Rodhe’s IGA and ACE Hardware in Millersburg and distributed handmade red crape paper poppies, with all the material donated by veterans of the American Legion Auxiliary. Veterans were treated to a special poppy and provided a cookie decorated with “thank you for your service” donated by Rosemary Taggert.
“The Poppy Fund raises community awareness and respect for our veterans while raising money for veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families,” said Bree Pringle, Rim Rock 4-H Club president and news reporter.
Between the goodwill exhibited by the club members and veterans and the fundraising effort that helped the Rim Rock Riders raise $742 in donations, the event was a success. For those who didn’t receive a poppy but would like to donate to the program, they may do so by writing a check to the Poppy Fund. Any donations can be sent to The American Legion Auxiliary, Attn: Poppy Fund, 264 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, OH 44654.
All donations collected by distributing the poppies help local veterans.
“The Holmes County American Legion Auxiliary uses the donated funds for projects such as Christmas cards and a Christmas party for veterans in our local nursing homes,” Pringle said. “Our club wishes to thank Rodhe’s IGA and ACE Hardware in Millersburg for their willingness to allow the club to distribute the poppies at their businesses.